The new 2017 Ford Escape brings cutting-edge features to notoriously competitive small SUV segment, helping drivers stay connected, comfortable, safe and stylish on the road, the company said.

One of Ford’s best-selling SUVs, the Escape’s popularity is born of its reputation for great fuel economy, versatility, and technology aimed at helping customers.

The new 2017 Ford Escape delivers an even more technologically advanced, refined and affordable sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The new Escape offers Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, innovative driver assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior, and powerful and efficient engines including Ford’s twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-litre four cylinder EcoBoost engine, which produces 242 PS and 366 Nm of torque.

A 2.5-litre iVCT Duratec automatic petrol engine with 171 PS and 230 Nm of torque is also available, with each engine variant mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The new Escape also features Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology that helps drivers park hands free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further advanced technologies include Hands-Free Liftgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD).

Seamlessly connected with SYNC 3
For the third-generation system, Ford has drawn on more than 22,000 comments and insights gained from research clinics and surveys to ensure the new version is the most customer-centric designed system. Simplifying the user experience by putting the audio and phone options customers use most at their fingertips, SYNC 3 has been further improved through increased processing power and a reduction in the number of steps required for a command.

In addition to other new languages and the already existing French language support, Ford’s SYNC3 offers, for the first time, Arabic language capability – both text and voice activation – enabling simpler control for drivers.

With pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures, SYNC3 provides customers with a high definition experience of the eight-inch touch screen that is similar to smartphone screens, thus making it easier and more intuitive to use.

Navigation also sees a greatly-improved system with SYNC3, including 3D support with landmarks, a Mecca compass, and enhanced junction view providing detailed lane visuals and guidance. Navigation also auto zooms out when the next manoeuvre is more than 3km away to make it easier to see the full route.

Smartphone integration has been stepped up with several fantastic new features, including Apple CarPlay, which allows iPhone users to make phone calls, access music, and send and receive text messages via voice control while the drivers' eyes stay focused on the road. The system is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free which allows for easy access to Siri with iPhones connected via Bluetooth.

Android users will be able to activate Android Auto, which makes the platform's apps and services such as Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play Music accessible in a safe and seamless manner through SYNC3.

Sophisticated technology
New Escape offers an enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h, increased from 30 km/h. Active City Stop uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions, or avoid them altogether.

The latest generation Ford MyKey technology allows new Escape owners to programme a key for younger drivers that can inhibit incoming phone calls; restrict top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reduce audio system maximum volume, and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts. The enhanced MyKey system offers a greater number of choices in both the speed limiter and speed minder settings.

The new Ford Escape follows the introduction of the larger Edge CUV last year, and an updated compact EcoSport SUV the year previous. New Escape and the Edge are among five all-new or redesigned Ford vehicles that will compete in the SUV and crossover space in the next three years, the company said. – TradeArabia News Service